West German Günter Maritschnigg had a brief international career. Wrestling in welterweight category his entire career, Maritschnigg débuted internationally at the 1960 Olympics, where he won a surprising silver medal in Greco-Roman. Therefore he was awarded the Silver Bay Leaf - the highest sports award in West Germany - by the West German federal president. In 1961, Maritschnigg competed at the World Championships, finishing fifth in Greco-Roman and seventh in freestyle. Domestically, Maritschnigg won the 1959 German title, placing second in 1961 and 1965. Maritschnigg later operated a gas station in Witten.